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Archive for April, 2010|Monthly archive page

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Garment District 813

In Designers, Events, Fashion on April 29, 2010 at 2:09 pm

This Saturday, May 1, 2010, the historic Tampa Heights neighborhood will be fashionably transformed into Garment District 813!

Inspired by New York’s Garment and Meatpacking District, Garment District 813 will be a haute tribute to the historic Armature Building . The two featured designers, Ben Chmura and Raven Reda are creating everything 100% cut and sew! The perfect way to embody the true artistic roots of the runway fashion industry.

Garment District 813 will feature Ben Chmura’s first Resort Collection: Lamia’s Wrath. This will be his first show since being on Project Runway Season 7 and recent showing at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in February 2010. Designer Raven Reda will also be showing her newest collection: Coup D’etat. She has shown runway fashion for the past 6 years in cities like NYC, Miami and Tampa.

I simply can’t wait for this fashion runway show! The way these two designers embody their rocker artistic side and true runway craftsmanship into their garments… is my cup of tea! Garment District 813 will be held this Saturday, May 1, 2010 at the historic Tampa Armature building from 7pm-12am. General admission is only $10 and runway seating with gift bag (limited availability) is $20. Click here for more information!

Witness Tampa’s garment haute-ness this Saturday as Garment District 813 brings fashion back to its roots!

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The Hippie-Chick Handbag

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on April 27, 2010 at 2:27 am

After the spring showers will come the May flowers. But before the flowers arrive let’s refresh our handbag collection with some sunshine! The Tie-Dye handbag. Yes, tie dye! Along with other trends from the 60’s, such as patterned pantyhose and flat boots, tie-dye is the handbag color of the season.

Rebecca Minkoff

The multiple colors within a traditional tie-dye print allows you to have more options when choosing a handbag that matches your outfit. Who doesn’t love more options? As long as one color in the handbag matches the way you’re dressed then you’re golden.  The tie-dye handbag is offered in many color palettes, fabrics, and trimmings. Derek Lam uses natural hues in its Nadia Hobo bag. This bag will go great for lunch with the girls after a day of shopping at the mall.

Derek-Lam-Nadia-Hobo

Nordstrom, what I like to call Nordie’s, has a great selection of tie-dye handbags this season. Designers like Be & D, Kooba and Rebecca Minkoff feature soft color palettes that will give any look a more feminine feel.  But it doesn’t stop there…these handbags come in cotton and here’s the spin, they also come in leather! Yes, you heard me correctly, leather for spring! What’s next fur in bathing suits? Ugh…hope not, but in the world of fashion, the sky is the limit.

So as you do some spring cleaning to your wardrobe, add some ‘flower power’ to your handbag collection with this season’s must have color palette: Tie-Dye!

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You Got Mail: Just in the “IT” Bikini

In Fashion, Trends, Updates on April 22, 2010 at 2:44 pm

That’s right ladies, run to your mailboxes for the Victoria Secrets 2010 swimwear issue. Push aside all those holiday bills and the junk mail and dive right in to a fun-filled summer under the sun in Victoria Secrets new “IT” bikini. The “IT” bikini offers separates ranging from $14.50-$29.00. Most women are not the same size on top as they are on the bottom so purchasing a bikini that retails separate sizes is what I call a ‘perfect deal’. I have been purchasing Victoria Secret’s swimwear since I started, er…uh…developing (if you know what I mean). I use to have trouble fitting into bikinis that only came in one size such as a small or a medium. The small bottoms were always too small for my J-Lo booty and the medium tops were way too big for my less fortunate top. So, if you’re reading this and nodding your head “yes!” then I’m sure you agree that separates are the way to go! Large bottom? Small top? Doesn’t matter, the choice is yours!

So why is the “IT” bikini the must have suit for the beach? Let me break it down for you:

2 Beach Sexy Style Tops

Push-up Halter Top

Twist Bandeau Top

I recommend the Push-up Halter Top, for all cup sizes, hence, the word ‘push-up’. The Twist Bandeau Top requires a little something to help keep the girls up so I do not recommend this style for A-cuppers!

The traditional double-string bottom will hug your hips just where necessary. This year have more fun with your curves though and consider the adjustable hot shorts. This cut gives you a choice of moderate or full back coverage with adjustable sides sitting straight across the hips. If you’re like me this summer and are feeling daring; go for the Brazilian bottom! Yes, it has minimal back coverage but just think less tan lines!

Along with the excellent choices on tops and bottoms, you have over 20 color and beach prints for your desired “IT” bikini this year. When choosing your color or print always remember to be bright, be bold.

For more styles, colors, and prints go to www.victoriasecrets.com

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Basic Training

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on April 19, 2010 at 1:51 pm

The military inspired look has stormed the fashion scene this Spring making the flak jacket one of the must-have items this season! The Marc Jacob’s Ready-To-Wear collection was among many that had military flak jackets mixed with feminine florals and structured trousers. Balmain also took over the runway with Christophe Decarnin’s feminine, modern-military jacket– complete with his signature bold shoulders.

Celebrities such as Katie Holmes, Rachel Bilson and the ever-fabulous Kate Moss have all been spotted with army gear spreading the military- fashion propaganda like wildfire!


For this look try the studded army jacket at Topshop…it looks A-mazing. For a more “vintage” military look take a peek at this Tempest Spring Military Jacket from French Connection- also to die for.

If the flak jacket is a bit much for your style- you can still march to the beat of your own drum, just be sure to incorporate olive green and khaki shades into your wardrobe this Spring.

Happy shopping!

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Jewelry Project: T-Shirt Necklace

In Fashion, Trends on April 14, 2010 at 7:25 am
Just about every morning, I start my day with coffee, fruit, a croissant and The Martha Stewart television show.  Monday’s episode had Queen Latifah create a t-shirt necklace with Martha and I absolutely love the idea!

I know what you’re thinking… a t-shirt necklace?! However, jewelry is certainly not limited to just gold and silver. Any material that is worthy to be a part of your fabulous outfit can be used – leather, beads, metal, chains, buttons, fabric and recycled items like an old t-shirt!


Elle magazine even shows this recycled inspired chic necklace made by Esprit and how it’s perfect for this summer!  I suggest choosing a color that will complement your unique features like your eyes, skin tone and hair. For instance, my t-shirt necklace is mustard yellow to enhance my green eyes and brown hair.

It’s really easy to turn an old shirt into a piece of wearable art around your neck! Just follow the steps below (courtesy of MarthaStewart.com):

Tools and Materials

  • Soft cotton T-shirt
  • Ruler
  • Scissors or rotary cutter

T-Shirt Necklace How-To:

1. Lay the shirt on a flat surface; cut off the hem and discard. Then cut the body of the shirt horizontally into strips approximately 3/4 of an inch long. (They will actually be loops.)

2. One at a time, pull the loops open and stretch until the fabric starts to curl. Stack the loops on top of one another so that all the T-shirt side seams are in the same spot.

3. Once you have the thickness you desire, wrap the seams with a scrap piece of fabric (about 6 inches long) from the same shirt. Tuck the end of the scrap under itself.

Brag about your awesome t-shirt necklace below or any questions about making it – leave comments!

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Masterpiece or a Disaster-piece?

In Fashion, Trends on April 7, 2010 at 4:59 pm

This week’s spotlight shines on an accessory that was introduced last summer but hasn’t trickled into the mainstream until now… feathered headbands! This 20s glam has been re-awakened to spice up any attire you dare to wear. Want to add that ‘pop’ to your style? Think with your head, literally. Something simple like denim jeans and a cute top paired with a peacock headband will really portray that bold statement every girl needs. I recommend purchasing staple colors such as black, brown, and even red; yes, red is a staple color in my closet! Having these colors will not limit the outfits that can be jazzed up with this glam accessory.

Although social roles since the 1920s for women have changed and resulted in a revolution in morals and values, this hasn’t stopped in 2010. Women are still showing their worth and even express it through our clothes. The question is…would you wear this ‘flapper’ accessory? Is this a master-piece or a disaster-piece?

Vote on this trend and let us know in your comments below!

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Fashion For All

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on April 5, 2010 at 4:12 pm

Zac Posen is the latest designer to collaborate with Target Go International and spread high-end fashion to the masses! His latest collection for Target debuts April 25th nationwide. If you’re like me, and simply cannot wait that long, you can sneak a peek at the lookbook –come late April you’ll be ready to shop!

The Zac Posen Collection for Target is reasonably priced starting at $16.99 with the most expensive piece being a red leather jacket for $199.00 (But totally worth it). The overall collection is very ’90s chic intertwined with Posen’s signature floral flocks.

With summer just around the corner it’s only right the collection have a few swimsuits (that are to die for). Check out the glamorous one-piece suits— they remind me of ’60s pin-up bombshells with a modern twist.

It’s so refreshing to see the collaborations between Target Go International and the various esteemed, high-end designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier and now Zac Posen, among many others.  With the economy having an impact on all aspects of the world, it’s refreshing to see the fashion industry catering to the times by bringing high fashion to all “frugalistas” nationwide.